"Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney
received a warm reception on a cold evening at the Shelby County
Fairgrounds Wednesday as he addressed a crowd estimated at more than
8,500 people, more than eight times the number expected to turn out.

Josh Romney, one of five sons, introduced his father, describing the
former governor of Massachusetts as "my hero and the next president of
the United States."

As the elder Romney took the stage, the sea of people
rose into a breaking wave of cell phones and cameras to capture the
momentous event, chanting "four more weeks, four more weeks!" Romney
told the crowd he’d been watching President Barack Obama’s rallies
hearing the chants of "four more years, but said, "I’ve been looking at
my calendar and I think ’four more weeks’ is more appropriate."

Romney, who will face the incumbent Obama at the
polls in just under four weeks, appealed to his largely rural and
working-class audience with his focus on jobs, health care and the
estate tax. He commented several times on the size of the crowd and
thanked everyone for coming out.

Romney said health care premiums are up $2,500, while Obama promised they would drop by that amount.

He pointed out the increase in gasoline prices: "double since he’s been president, or more."

"These are tough times. The president’s answer to
this is to say he’s going to save Big Bird," Romney said to a laugh from
the crowd. "My view is it’s better to have a president that’s going to
save the American family and help people across this country." The
laughter turned to rousing cheers.

The candidate said the country "can’t afford another
four years like the last four years have been," adding that re-electing
Obama would mean continued rising prices and falling incomes....